Paris to Provence: A 15-Day Family-Friendly France Itinerary

Tuileries Garden

Relax in the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, an oasis of manicured landscapes and historic statues in the heart of Paris.

The Tuileries Gardens, located next to the Louvre Museum, offer a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. Originally created as the royal gardens for the Tuileries Palace in the 16th century, they represent a classic example of French garden design. Visitors can marvel at the array of statues, including works by Rodin and Maillol, stroll along its perfectly aligned trees and flowerbeds, and enjoy panoramic views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Museum d'Orsay

Soak it all in at the Musée d'Orsay, a former Beaux-Arts railway station transformed into a stunning showcase of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

The Musée d'Orsay, housed in an elegantly converted railway station, offers a world-renowned collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by masters like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Its unique architecture, with grand clocks and sweeping galleries, complements the diverse array of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts on display. A visit to the Musée d'Orsay is not just a tour of art history, but an immersive experience in a space where the past and present merge beautifully.

Orangerie

Let your vision swim with Monet's Water Lilies and other Impressionist artwork at the Musée de l'Orangerie

The Musée de l'Orangerie, nestled in a corner of the Tuileries Gardens, exhibits the stunning "Water Lilies" series by Claude Monet. This series of large-scale paintings, designed specifically for the two oval rooms they inhabit, offers an immersive experience into Monet's impressionist vision of his garden at Giverny. Beyond Monet, the museum boasts the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani.   

Arc de Triomphe

Ascend one of the most iconic monuments in the world, and view Paris from this beloved symbol of France

L' Arc is not just a symbol of French pride and triumph. Yes, this monument crowning the western end of the Champs-Élysées honors those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War. However, it also commorates the horrific losses of World War I with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Your visit here can be surprisingly poignant. Visitors can ascend to the top for panoramic views of the City of Lights below, whose energy somehow rotates around this reminder that there is a little sobriety in every party.

Grand Palais

Structure built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, now a children's science museum and art gallery.

The Grand Palais, built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, boasts a large glass and iron roof. It is home to the Palais de la Découverte science museum for children - be aware this museum only offers information in French, which greatly reduces its value to English speakers. Another wing of the building features rotating art exhibitions, which are usually curated by theme (such as The Moon or Soviet Art). Look on the website https://www.grandpalais.fr/en if you are interested in finding out what's on during your time in Paris. You may purchase tickets on site should you choose to attend.

Petit Palais

Pop in for a Rembrandt painting and discover a secret garden in one of Paris's "hidden gems".

The Petit Palais in Paris, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is a Beaux-Arts architectural marvel that houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. With free admission to its permanent collections, it showcases an extensive array of artworks from ancient to early 20th century, including notable pieces by Rembrandt and Courbet. Its stunning architecture, complete with a grand dome and a serene courtyard garden, makes it a cultural and visual haven. Located just off the Champs-Élysées, the Petit Palais is a key destination for art enthusiasts.

Champs-Elysées

Experience a promenade on the most famous road in the world!

Stretch your legs on the Avenue Champs-Élysées, an emblem of French prestige and elegance. On this unparalleled thoroughfare stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe waits a parade of luxury shops, fine dining, and lush greenery, offering an unparalleled urban experience. On the "Champs" you can indulge in world-class shopping, savor exquisite French cuisine at chic cafés, and marvel at the architectural beauty of illustrious building.

Sainte-Chapelle

It's ok, you can be dumbstruck at the incomparable stained glass of this royal chapel

The Sainte-Chapelle glows in the heart of Paris with its breathtaking stained-glass windows. Regard in awe the 15 windows, each 15m high, illustrating biblical stories in vibrant colors and intricate detail. Built in the 13th century on the Île de la Cité for Saint King Louis IX, this chapel was originally conceived to house precious Christian relics, including spines from Jesus Christ's Crown of Thorns. Visitors today, like kings and kings of yesteryear are often awestruck by the celestial light and serene ambiance that these windows transmit, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the chapel's interior. The upper chapel, in particular, offers an ethereal experience, with its towering windows and star-studded vaulted ceiling.

Conciergerie

Explore the somber past of this Gothic riverside fortress, a heart of the Great Terror that followed the French Revolution

  The Conciergerie in Paris is a historic monument and former prison on the Île de la Cité, and an inflection point between France's royal and revolutionary pasts. Once part of the royal palace, but later transformed into a prison during the French Revolution, its most infamous inmate was Queen Marie Antoinette before her execution. Visitors can explore the medieval halls, the somber cells - even the Queen's own - while absorbing the tales of justice, power, and tragedy that echo through its walls. This site stands as a poignant reminder of France's turbulent history, here where the Revolutionary Tribunal sat from 1793, condemning some 2,600 persons to the guillotine.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Thrill at one of the most beautiful and recognized churches on Earth.

Gaze at the heart of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral, as iconic to the city as it is to Gothic architecture. Standing on the Île de la Cité, this 13th-century medieval masterpiece, still boasts its stunning rose windows, flying buttresses, and sculpted facades, despite a devastating fire in 2019.  The ongoing reconstruction of this center of French spirituality is captivating in itself, and people around the world await the full restoration's of this symbol's élégance, planned for December 8th, 2024.

Catacombs of Paris - Entrance

Wander the corridors of this eerie but matter-of-fact underground filled with skeletal remains.

The Catacombs of Paris offer a disturbing journey beneath the city, where millions of Parisians' remains line the ancient corridors. From the stark warning at the entrance hall, inviting visitors into the Empire of Death, to the dark depths where the Crypt of the Sepulchral Lamp casts a solemn glow, each highlight contributes to the macabre atmosphere. Notable curiosities include the artistic Barrel of Passion, and the intricately carved Sculpture of Port-Mahon, both testaments to the catacombs' dual function as a burial site and a monument to humanity's strangeness.

Bourdelle Museum

Immerse yourself in this a hidden treasure of Parisian art, the original atelier of celebrated sculptor, Antoine Bourdelle.

The Antoine Bourdelle Museum, set in the artist's former studio in Montparnasse, showcases an impressive collection of his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Here, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of Bourdelle's creative space and enjoy the serene garden, which displays his monumental works in bronze and marble. This intimate museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process of one of France's great sculptors.

Fondation Cartier

Supporting contemporary art in many luxurious ways

Confront your artistic sensibilities, or maybe just luxuriate at the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain, a cornerstone of contemporary art. Housed in an architectural masterpiece by Jean Nouvel that blends verdant surroundings with glass and steel, it showcases diverse  exhibitions of both renowned and emerging global artists, alongside commissioned site-specific works. Contemplate today's masterpieces in the foundation's lush garden, designed by Lothar Baumgarten, that acts as a living art installation, complementing cultural programs like concerts, lectures, and the unique "Nomadic Nights" series.

Montparnasse Tower

Get a different perspective from Paris' modern skyscraper

The Montparnasse Tower remains one of Paris' few traditional skyscrapers and with its rare standing offers an unparalleled vantage point from its 56th floor and rooftop terrace. Rising to a height of 210 meters, it punctuates the Parisian skyline and provides breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch out over the city, from the winding Seine to the majestic Eiffel Tower and beyond. Visitors can ascend this towering skyscraper to witness the beauty of Paris from above, capturing the essence of the city's layout and landmarks in a single glance.

Napoleon's Tomb

Discover the tomb of one of history's most fearsome generals, and a controversial figure of the 19th century.

Reflect at the sarcophagus resting underneath the dome of Les Invalides' church - Napoleon's tomb is as still as his life was frenetic. Crafted from red quartzite and set upon a green granite base within a circular crypt, Napoleon's sarcophagus is surrounded by a series of statues representing his victories and achievements. The entire ensemble, designed with solemn grandeur, reflect both the power and complexity of his legacy. But visitors can come and go please, this great general commands no one now.

The Army Museum

Exploring the martial history of France in this regal strucure

Gather your forces and lay touristic seige to the French Army Museum and its immersive expositions of French military history from medieval times to the present. Will you conquer the extensive Medieval Collections, Napoleon Bonaparte's grand tomb, and detailed exhibits of the World Wars, or will they conquer you? These exhibts and more offer insights into the evolution of warfare, strategic intracacies, and personal narratives of conflict. A visit to the Army Museum encourages discussion about the contradictions and complexities of war, one of the most important, and disturbing, traits of our humanity.

Rodin Museum

Let the greatest sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries inspire you

The remarkable sanctuary of art and beauty that is the Musée de Rodin displays the greatest works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Nestled in the exquisite Hôtel Biron, and its serene garden, this museum invites visitors to discover the profound depth of Rodin's creativity. Thrill at the world-reknowned pieces "The Thinker" and "The Gates of Hell," among others, each piece exploring  human emotion and thought through its dynamic forms. Wander through the garden paths to encounter these and other masterpieces in an intimate setting, where the fusion of art and nature crafts a truly unforgettable experience.

Quai Branly Museum

Discover a captivating collection of indigenous art in this literally verdant building.

The Quai Branly Museum, oficially known as L'Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, is a vibrant celebration of indigenous art and cultures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Located on the banks of the Seine near the Eiffel Tower, this innovative museum stands out with its striking modern architecture and a lush wall garden adorning its exterior. Inside, visitors are treated to a rich tapestry of artifacts, including traditional costumes, masks, sculptures, and jewelry, all showcased in a dynamic and immersive display. The museum's commitment to cultural diversity and its extensive collection offer a unique opportunity to explore the history, art, and traditions of non-Western civilizations.

Museum of Man

Ponder some of the Big Questions while visiting this museum...

Le Musée de l'Homme in Paris's Place du Trocadéro delves into human evolution and diversity through anthropology, ethnology, and prehistory. Showcasing artifacts from prehistoric tools to modern art, it highlights humans' biological and cultural development while exploring our identities, societies, and relationship with nature. Interactive and engaging, the museum offers a profound investigation into the essence of humanity, prompting reflection on our collective past and future.

Palais de Tokyo

Discovering the greatest of modern and contemporary French art in this dramatic structure

Que vous seriez un peu plus parisien(ne)... That you would be a bit more Parisian, visit the Palais de Tokyo in the 16th arrondissement, a beacon of contemporary art known for its avant-garde exhibitions and innovative art installations. Blending historical elegance with modern creativity, it offers visitors a privilaged exploration of the latest artistic expressions. Highlights include its own modernist architecture, a constantly evolving array of exhibitions showcasing everything from installations to live performances, and the Yoyo nightclub and Le Tokyo Eat for leisure and dining. Visit the Palais de Tokyo to step into an intersection of art, culture, and architecture, and let the cutting edge of contemporary art in Paris take you away.

Musée de Cluny

Step back into the Middle Ages at the Musée de Cluny in Paris, where ancient art and history come alive

The Musée de Cluny, officially known as the Musée National du Moyen Âge, is a hidden gem located in the Latin Quarter of Paris. This museum, housed in a 15th-century abbey, showcases a remarkable collection of medieval art, including the famous "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestry series. The museum also contains a variety of sculptures, stained glass, and artifacts that illuminate the richness of medieval culture. Its unique blend of architectural styles, from ancient Roman baths to Gothic structures, makes it a captivating journey through time and an essential destination for those fascinated by the medieval era.

Sorbonne University

Ponder along with the greats from Aquinas to Foucault and back in one of the greatest universities in the world

Put on your thinking caps and visit the Sorbonne, a beacon of intellectual achievement in the heart of the Latin Quarter that embodies centuries of academic excellence. This prestigious university, founded in the 13th century, is the source of many world-changing theories and theorists. Wander through its historic courtyards and grand lecture halls, where some of the world's most brilliant minds have studied and taught. The Sorbonne is not just a place of learning; it's a symbol of the enduring relationship between Paris and the pursuit of knowledge.

Panthéon

Guarding the remains of some of France's greatest luminaries in typical French splendour.

Pay tribute to intellectual and artistic founders of modern France at the Panthéon, a neoclassical building in the Latin Quarter, originally a church and now a mausoleum for France's eminent personalities like Voltaire and Marie Curie. Known for its imposing architectural beauty, it features significant art, sculptures, and the famous Foucault's pendulum. Beyond its role as a tribute to French intellectual and cultural heritage, the Panthéon offers visitors stunning views of Paris from its dome, blending historical exploration with scenic beauty.

National Museum of Natural History

Peruse the wonders of the natural world at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, a treasure trove of biodiversity.

Nestled in the Jardin des Plantes, the National Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Founded in the 17th century, it boasts a rich collection that spans paleontology, mineralogy, and botany. The museum is renowned for its Gallery of Evolution, showcasing thousands of animal specimens in a grand, historic setting, and provides a unique insight into the diversity and complexity of life on Earth, making it a notable and educational experience for all ages.

Moulin Rouge

World Famous Dinner Theater and Cabaret

The Moulin Rouge, the iconic cabaret of Paris, beckons visitors with an unforgettable evening in the City of Lights. Famous for pioneering the can-can dance, this legendary establishment has been dazzling audiences since 1889 with its extravagant performances, featuring a troupe of highly-trained dancers adorned in outrageous costumes. Dive into an evening of glamour and romance, where the spirit of Parisian nightlife comes alive amidst spectacular shows in the historic ambiance of a venue that has hosted generations of artists and admirers.

Montmartre Museum

Experience la vie bohémienne at the Montmartre museum

To peruse the charming Montmartre Museum is to experience the captivating, artistic history of bohemian Paris. Housed in a 17th-century building that once served as a studio for many notable artists, including Renoir and Raoul Dufy, the museum invites visitors to its rich collection of paintings, photographs, and memorabilia. The museum vividly brings to life the rollicking, artistic fervor that defined Montmartre at the turn of the 20th century.

L’Espace Dali

Indulge your surreality in Dalí Paris while twitching your mustache at his largest collection in France, over 300 pieces.

The Spaniard found fame in Paris in the 1920s and 30s, and developed his paranoic-critical method designed to access the sub-conscious and enhance creativity. He lived in Montmartre for a while before moving to Montparnasse. The collection here, mostly of sculpture and etchings, with titles like Space Elephant and Moses and Montheism, will have you questioning your sensibilities, or maybe Dalí's.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Iconic white domed church that features mosaics, stained glass windows, and a crypt

The exterior, with its domes and stark white façade, looks ancient but was finished only a century ago. In 1870 war broke out between France and Prussia. The Council that was being held in the Vatican at the time was suspended and the Pope, no longer under the protection of French troops, considered himself a prisoner within the Vatican. France was subsequently defeated and partially occupied by German troops. Alexandre Legentil and Hubert Rohault de Fleury vowed to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart “as reparation,” as penance for infidelity and sin for they held that the misfortunes of France had spiritual rather than political causes.

Mur des je t’aime (I Love You Wall)

A wall trying to bring a little tenderness into the world

The singer Paul Simon wrote a song "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover,"  but this wall below Montmartre teaches you how to say "I love you" in 250 languages. Find the one that sounds most beautiful to you, and then practice saying it to yourself and others.

Bayeux Cathedral

Listen closely, some of these stones heard the treachery that led to the Saxons' downfall...

Rebuilt after a fire in the 12th century, the previous structure possibly saw regal intrigue that led to the Battle of Hastings in which the Normands defeated the Saxons A monumnet of history and especially of glorious Gothic architecture, the cathedral makes a fine pause while visiting Bayeux.

Bayeux Tapestry

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

Bayeux Tapestry

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

Museum of the Battle of Normandy

THis WWII museum commemorates the Battle of Normandy which started with D-Day, one of the most important military invasions of all-time, and that led to the liberation of Western Europe and the defeat of the Nazi forces. A poignant location of rememberance that can remind us of the sacrifices that war demands, and the price all pay.

Mont-St.-Michel

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

Rennes Cathedral

Stepping into This Cathedral Means Stepping through Over 1300 Years of History.

The Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes flaunts a French Gothic exterior and a particularly rich Neo-classical interior. Its interior features stunning art, including stained glass windows and an elaborate altar, reflecting by its walls and art many of the events of past centuries.

Parlement de Bretagne

Tour an impressive court where justice has been administered since baroque times.

The Parlement de Bretagne opened in the 17th century, full of splendor to awe those judged in its courts. It is still a court today, and, given its beauty, a major attraction in Rennes, the historic chambers open regularly to the public. One of the rare places where governance is asthetically pleasing.

Museum of the Beaux-Arts de Rennes

Check out the masterpieces without crowds in this small but delightful gallery.

Compact, with a main street squeezed between it and the La Vilaine River, it would be easy to overlook the Muséé des Beaux-arts of Rennes. That would be a mistake. With a moderately small, but important collection, the museum will delight without itimidation. If you go for one painting, George De la Tour's "Le Nouveau-Né" is the very definition of tenderness, with a use of light that rivals Vermeer. Go for that piece, but then other works will draw your attention... after a pleasant exploration, you'll come out the museum's doors a more knowledgable person and none the worse for wear.

Thabor Park

Relax with the locals in this former monastery orchid.

This large park offers citizen and visitor alike, a cool, green space in the center of Rennes. Lovely to visit after a museum or city tour, this former monastery orchard became public in the years following the French Revolution.  Bring a few cheeses and bread, and a bottle of whatever pleases you, and Thabor allow you the moments to relax and simply "be."

Paul Cézanne Statue

Say Hello to One of Aix's Most Lauded Residents...

In Paul Cézzane's later life he took up residence in Aix, but throughout his career, the nearby Mont Ste. Victoire remained a great, prehaps his greatest, muse. This statue pays respect to this master Impressionist, and invites you to explore his life here.

Dernier Appartement de Cézzane

Pass This Last Home that Cezzane Lived in as a Celebrated and Reviled Member of the Community.

Look up to see the large windows that Cezanne had installed on the north side of the apartment so that he would have the correct lighting to paint in his home. One 23 October 1906, Cezanne died here of pleurisy. 

Cézanne Studio

Discover Cézzane's atelier just north of the old city that let him paint in solitude.

The studio, known as the "Atelier de Cézanne," allows visitors to step into the very space where Cézanne created some of his last and most acclaimed works. Preserved much as it was during the artist's life, the space is filled with his personal belongings, painting equipment, and the serene light that inspired his revolutionary approach to color and composition. This intimate setting, nestled amidst the Provençal landscape that Cézanne so often depicted, provides a profound insight into the artist's creative process and his enduring legacy in art.

Fontaine de la Rotonde

THe Fountains Sprays the Answer to the Question: "Why Did People Settle Here, Anyway?

A fountain as an important monument?  When your city's name has an ancient word for water in it; darn right it's important.  Fontaine de la Rotonde is a magnificent example located at the heart of Aix-en-Provence, marking the transition between the old town and the modern city. Erected in 1860, this grandiose piece stands as a testament to Aix's rich architectural heritage and features an impressive display of sculptures, including three statues representing justice, agriculture, and fine arts.

Pavillon Vendôme

Some gardens, some art, a petite chateau, what else do you need?

The Pavillon Vendôme, a 17th-century architectural gem is fit for a Duke... and was! Originally built for Louis de Mercoeur, Duke of Vendôme, this baroque pavilion, surrounded by exquisite gardens, now serves as a museum illustrating Aix's long history of luxurious  art and furnishings. Ogle French opulence when that overwhelms you, catch your breath in its tranquil garden retreat.

Albertas Square

The Old Albertas Family Didn't Know It, but They Built This for You to See

The 18th century architecture of the Place d'Albertas evokes the languid, luxurious days of 18th-century, pre-Revolutionary Provence. Nestled in the heart of Aix-en-Provence and created in 1745 by the Albertas family to enhance the view from their mansion, this elegant square is surrounded by ornate Rococo buildings, featuring a charming central fountain added in 1912.  Visit it to breathe, rest, and watch the world go by.

Avignon Cathedral

This Cathedral Provides Shelter From the Heat of the Day and Many Other Respites...

... Dating back to the 12th century, this Romanesque cathedral is renowned for its striking architectural features, including a beautifully decorated facade and a prominent gold-leaf statue of the Virgin Mary that crowns its bell tower. Inside, the cathedral houses an array of religious art, significant ecclesiastical items, and the tombs of several Avignon popes, reflecting its central role in the history of the Avignon Papacy.  But given that history, a simplicity remains, a elegance hard-won through trials and tribulations.

Jardin des doms

Take Aristocratic Views of Provence and the Papal Palace

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, Le Jardin des Doms overlooks The Palais des Papes and Notre Dame (of Avignon, mind you) on one side and panoramas of the Provençal countryside on the other. Established in the 19th century, this verdant park is a welcomed retreat within the walled city with its limestone pathways, majestic trees, and tranquil ponds.  These elements add to the cool and restful atmosphere of the park.

Palais des Papes

This wasn't a home-away-from-home; this was home!

From 1305-1378 the Roman Catholic Church was ruled from... Avignon.  Theocratic intrigue in Rome led to the move, and the popes here enjoyed relative safety, and a view of a better river (The Rhone River of Avignon is much prettier than Rome's Tiber).  After St. Catherine of Siena convinced a pope to return to Rome, and the inevitable disputes ended, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and the palace was even used as a barracks for Napoleon's armies. Today, one can marvel at the architecture, and learn a thing or two about the dramas of centuries past.  A visit is a beautiful education...

Bridge St. Bénézet (Le Pont d' Avignon)

This Bridge Doesn't Work, but Millions Have Walked upon It All the Same

The St. Bénézet Bridge, known affectionately as the Pont d' Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) has spent much of its existence a ruin. From the 1200s until the 1700s, when the Rhone River flooded, it often destroyed the bridge, originally 900m (nearly 3000 feet).  The city finally had enough and left it.  And then it became a symbol of the city and started drawing people from around the world. Brilliant!  There is something romantic to it, to walk out along it's narrow width at dusk towards the middle of the Rhone.  It's so beautiful it might make you want to danse... Sur le pont d' Avignon L'on y danse, l'on y danse... 

Les Halles d' Avignon

Admire the living wall outside before tasting the best of Provence within.

Spend some time to assemble your own lunch or dinner with help from the sumptuous stalls at Avignon's Halles.  Fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats will all come and go with the seasons.  An early spring visit here can proffer the delicious strawberries from nearrby Carpentras, and a midsummer exploration will deliver you the incomparable melon d' Cavaillon.  Pair those with some jambon or a fresh Provençal goat cheese, pick up a bottle of rose from Tavel, and you are well on your way to gourmet heaven!

Marseille MuCEM

Dive into the Cultures of the Mediterranean Sea

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) in Marseille stands as a monumental celebration of Mediterranean cultures, seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with centuries-old heritage. Situated at the waterfront, this striking museum designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, connected to the historic Fort Saint-Jean by an elegant footbridge, invites exploration into the diverse and complex tapestry of Mediterranean civilizations. Through its innovative exhibitions, the MuCEM profoundly investigates the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of the Mediterranean region through a rich collection that spans from ancient artifacts to modern art. The museum offers breathtaking views of its very subject, the Mediterranean Sea.

Marseille - Vieux Port

Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Greeks at This 2600-year-old Port

The Vieux Port of Marseille is, in a sense, where France began its long march through Western Civilization, as Greek settlers arrived here in 600BC.  Since that time at least, it has been a port, with countless ships arriving and countless feet stepping upon its piers. Surrounded by historic fortifications, such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, the port today is as it has often been, a lively area filled with fishing boats, yachts, and vessels of all sizes. Visitors can stroll along the quayside, indulge in seafood at the numerous restaurants, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The daily fish market on the Quai des Belges offers a glimpse into the port's bustling trade activities.

Marseille Notre Dame

Take a Short Pilgrimage, If Just for the Views!

The basillica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, often referred to as "La Bonne Mère," keeps its protective watch over the city. This iconic symbol, situated on a limestone outcrop, offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the basilica boasts intricate mosaics and a prominent golden statue of the Virgin Mary on its bell tower. It is a place of pilgrimage and reflection.

Marseille MuCEM

Dive into the Cultures of the Mediterranean Sea

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) in Marseille stands as a monumental celebration of Mediterranean cultures, seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with centuries-old heritage. Situated at the waterfront, this striking museum designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, connected to the historic Fort Saint-Jean by an elegant footbridge, invites exploration into the diverse and complex tapestry of Mediterranean civilizations. Through its innovative exhibitions, the MuCEM profoundly investigates the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of the Mediterranean region through a rich collection that spans from ancient artifacts to modern art. The museum offers breathtaking views of its very subject, the Mediterranean Sea.

Marseille - Vieux Port

Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Greeks at This 2600-year-old Port

The Vieux Port of Marseille is, in a sense, where France began its long march through Western Civilization, as Greek settlers arrived here in 600BC.  Since that time at least, it has been a port, with countless ships arriving and countless feet stepping upon its piers. Surrounded by historic fortifications, such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, the port today is as it has often been, a lively area filled with fishing boats, yachts, and vessels of all sizes. Visitors can stroll along the quayside, indulge in seafood at the numerous restaurants, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The daily fish market on the Quai des Belges offers a glimpse into the port's bustling trade activities.

Marseille Notre Dame

Take a Short Pilgrimage, If Just for the Views!

The basillica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, often referred to as "La Bonne Mère," keeps its protective watch over the city. This iconic symbol, situated on a limestone outcrop, offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the basilica boasts intricate mosaics and a prominent golden statue of the Virgin Mary on its bell tower. It is a place of pilgrimage and reflection.